Cambodia forum

Cambodia Route

Catex1980

Joined Travelfish13th September, 2010Location United KingdomPosts: 5

Hi guys! I've looked and read until my eyes have gone fuzzy and still not clear on which route we'd like to take. W e plan to cross into Cambodia from Laos and to Stung Treng. All posts suggest that this is ideally done through a travel agent rather than independently. We are in Cambodia from 1st/2nd until 23rd Dec when we fly out of Phom Penh. We've got approx 3 weeks and would like to see Siem Reap and Angkor Wat (few days) and catch some much needed downtime on the coastline (maybe kep). What shouldn't we miss and what is the ideal way to travel cambodia? Huge thanks

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eastwest

Joined Travelfish17th December, 2009Posts: 775

Hi,

Depends a little on your travel style but if you go at a normal pace you should visit the north first after you've entered Stung Treng. Can not comment on travel agent though.
Mode of transport is buses for longer distances and tuk tuk/motos for short distances.

- first week Stung Treng, Banlung and perhaps Sen Monorom if the direct route between the two is open which it should be by that time (because of rains).
- then Kampong Cham and switch bus to Siem Reap / Angkor and make loop around the lake stopping in Battambang and end in Phnom Penh .
- last week few days Phnom Penh and few days at the coast.

It's a rough guideline that makes the most sense considering travel routes and leaves you space to adjust while on the road.

alternatives
- If the first week isn't that appealing cut it short and go earlier to Angkor and take time to visit some remoter temples.
- If the first week and/or Angkor is appealing and you stay longer you can cut out Battambang and go directly from Siem Reap to PP by boat or bus.
- If you rush through the first two weeks you can add another beachtown (Sihanoukville, Koh Kong) at the end.

sayadian

Joined Travelfish15th January, 2008Posts: 1557

'first week Stung Treng , Banlung and perhaps Sen Monorom if the direct route between the two is open which it should be by that time (because of rains).'
The direct route between Banlung and Sen Monorom?
Unless they've built a new road, and I would be very interested if they have, the direct route from Banlung to Sen Monorom is a track negotiable only by dirt bikes and would need a guide
I think you still have to double back to Stung Treng to get down to Sen Monorom.
BTW Stung Treng is a pleasant little riverside town often missed out by packpackers.
OP, you say you want to go to the coast.If you just mean coast Kep is fine but if you want a beach you'd have to go to one of the islands or Sihanoukville.Kep is just mud.